I have an opportunity to move there for a 5-7 year project and wanted to see if anyone has ever been there. Trying to see what it's like coming from someone first hand.
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I have an opportunity to move there for a 5-7 year project and wanted to see if anyone has ever been there. Trying to see what it's like coming from someone first hand.
I spent 3 days there for an R&R back in 07. As a matter of fact I am heading there this summer for 12 months.
What do you want to know?
I haven't been to Doha, but I've spent more time than I would have cared to in Qatar. I like to describe that place as the Devil's Asshole. Ridiculously hot and ridiculously humid. I hate that place with a passion. I'm getting mad just thinking about it.
LOL - it is better than Afghanistan or Iraq :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpienads
In terms of climate? I dunno, where I was in the 'Stan was actually quite comparable to CO, well except for the complete and total lack of vegetation. [Coffee]Quote:
Originally Posted by airborneranger
Then again... anywhere in that entire region pretty much sucks. I've heard Qatar is like Kuwait, and seriously, phuck Kuwait, even 3 days there was too long for me.
In terms of not getting my ass blown-up by an IED.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin13
Ah that is very true... and let's not forget mortar/rocket attacks while you're trying to enjoy some downtime on base. If earth was to be hit by a meteor (not a life ending apocalyptic one) I pray it strikes in that region the day after the last of our troops pull out. [Beer]Quote:
Originally Posted by airborneranger
Agreed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin13
[Beer]
I would whole-heartedly disagree. If I'm going to be in that part of the world, I would rather be in Iraq or Asskrackistan.Quote:
Originally Posted by airborneranger
Umm....OK.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpienads
I would rather drink beer :)
I believe that Qatar is a bit more westernized much like Kuwait. 5-7 is a bit much, but I'd take a job there. Something new at least, and its not Saudi.
Watched a guy get his hand lopped off for stealing in Qatar and its hotter than hades. It has been nearly 30 years though... it was not somewhere to take the wife but wasn't bad. No recent experience though.
From the little I can gather, other than on base (which I'm not military) you can only get booze from 1 place in the entire country. Has to be some type of form, that's signed from your employer stating a bunch of stuff like your gender, workplace, religious affiliation etc. I'm not so sure all of this and more is worth it. BUT everyone has a price $$$$$$...Quote:
Originally Posted by airborneranger
I spent 6 months in Dohell, what do you want to know?
LOL. It is going to be hot as balls there!Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
Yuck. I hate that place.Quote:
Originally Posted by yankeefan98121
I would rather spend another year in Iraq or Afghanistan than more one week in that place.
Here's a quick recap.
The currency is the Riyal. You can use your debit card at local ATMs and get 1000 for 275usd. Commercial bank and several other reputable banks operate there.
Yes there is 1 liquor store in entire country (aside from base). It is in a very inconvenient and semi difficult to find location You must get a letter from your employer in order to get a license to purchase liquor there. the license is $300. Prices are ~$50/case of beer, ~$50-$75 for a bottle of regular liquor. There are bars, and you can purchase alcohol at them, prices at the bars start at $8/beer. Most are from $10 and up. You have to purchase a permit to enter each bar and show your passport to purchase them.
Most of the people there are Indian, Phillipino, and Indonesian.
Don't expect to find Qatari made souvenirs, they don't make anything there except money and sour natural gas.
The people are all New money. In 1950 Doha was nothing more than a trading post, and everyone was either a fisherman, herder, or pearl diver. No longer the case. The younger generation lacks humility. Other Brown people are not respected and are treated as an underclass of servants that can be walked in front of in any line. White people are respected as a matter of necessity. They are quite a bit more liberal than other middle eastern countries. Women aren't required to be covered, Women in Burquas can be seen showing off designer jeans/shoes sticking out from the bottom of the black robe.
The police aren't interested in doing paperwork. Don't do anything terrible and you shouldn't expect any trouble. Don't go skinny dipping or have sex on the beach. Public displays of affection are still not advised.
The 3 major malls are very nice. The Villagio especially, with an indoor amusement park, hockey rink, canals with gondolas, theatre etc. The old Souq is a nice area to visit, and prices are better than the malls.
Groceries can be procured at Carrefour, A french chain of wal-martesque stores, with a location in each of the malls. There is also a good selection at the international store (don't remember the exact name, i'll try to pinpoint it on a map.
It's damn hot, damn humid, and I've never seen more dust anywhere. It's just gritty and nasty.
Golf, if you play, is available. It's about $100 per round for the amateur course. Alcohol is available on the course.
No margaritas available at Chili's.
The locals hold positions of power in pretty much every business there, but they don't do anything or actually take any responsibility for anything unless everything is going great.
What company?
The dunes in the southeast corner of the country are fun, they rent ATVs there.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6328718_n.jpg
That pretty much sums it up. [Beer]Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
The driving test for Americans is a pita ever since some Qatari got pissed at us. Brits get their licenses automatically. Traffic is a madhouse. Traffic enforcement is done by camera, everyone knows where the cameras are, so there is virtually no speed limit on some portions of the highways. Sunday is the equivalent of Monday here. Sunday morning you can see the carnage from the weekends stupidity strewn along the highway. They like revving their engines. There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing a Ferrari bouncing off the Rev limiter just because. It rains about twice a year and the roads get absolutely retarded.
Beware the roundabouts. Just because someone is on the inside lane does not mean they don't intend to cut the other 2 lanes off to make his exit. Also beware of people randomly stopping to meet people in the damn roundabouts.
The Pearl is a nice place to live.
Don't expect to go anywhere on the waterfront boulevard on Thursday or Friday nights.
Expect private schools to cost 20k+/yr for grades k-8
Qatar's airline kicks ass.
Getting your residency permit makes the entry and exit process much easier.
There is a shooting club there but I was never able to go.
Jacobs EngineeringQuote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
That's about what I was looking for. The education sounds expensive but I hear it's great education. I'm in the mindset of going out there, doing what I have to do and returning to the states with a giant bank account. We're supposed to be talking with the brass next week. Possibly find out a bit more about wtf we're going to be doing out there. As of right now all we know is it's Infrastructure program. Frankly I can careless what it is, in the end it's all about the $$$Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
You and me both.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoser
You'll be improving their infrastructure in anticipation of the 2022 world cup.
They've proposed a remote controlled carbon fiber "cloud" to provide shade and a breeze over the stadium.
I also work for Jacobs and just took the 7 day tour of Saudi Arabia last month - yes gritty and dusty is a good description. Get the local office number and call the VP of Ops. They should be able to give you the low-down on the best way to make it a workable situation.
I spoke at length with a Canadian expat (my client) who had been "in Kingdom" for 20+ years and he had a pretty balanced view of living in a completely different world. Ultimately, it is what you make it.
Give me a call - would be interested to see what you are working on and will assist however I can. x4806
thats crazyQuote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
Scratch Villagio, the best mall, off of your list. Apparently it's on fire right now.
Noooo!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodburbon
I'm hoping this is one of those "work 5-7 years and come home and retire, living on a house boat for the rest of your life" deals.